The City of Huaráz and the Surrounding Areas

Huaráz is a spectacular place! Not only will you love volunteering with our kids during the week, but your weekends will be filled with spectacular hikes or visits to nearby mountain towns and artisan markets.

Huaráz is located in the Áncash region (in north-central Perú), about 420 km north of Lima, at an altitude of 3,052 metres (10,013 ft). The Callejón de Huaylas valley, where the city is situated, is a north-south valley bounded on the east by the Cordillera Blanca (permanent white snow caps and glaciers) and on the west by the Cordillera Negra (not permanent snow capped peaks or glaciers, hence black). The Cordillera Blanca includes Huascarán, the highest mountain in Perú at 6,768 metres (22,205 ft), and the third highest in the Western Hemisphere. Huascarán and the adjacent peak, Huandoy, are clearly visible from Huaráz in fair weather.

Melanie Ng (International Coordinator '17-'18) during the Huayhuash Circuit trek in February 2018

The excursion possibilities are endless, and as our school is only open during the week, volunteers will have weekends free to explore the surrounding mountains! From day hikes -- like the famous Laguna 69 (possibly the most famous day-trek in the Andes!), Laguna Churup and Laguna Parón (where you can spot the famous Paramount Pictures mountain!) -- to the three-day Santa Cruz Trek (another famous trek), the Áncash area certainly does feel like a magical place.

For weekend excursions, many volunteers have enjoyed camping at nearby Lagunas Shallap and Palcacocha, as well as Laguna Willcacocha. You can also climb one of the many nearby mountains, including Mateo, Pisco, Alpamayo, Vallunajaru, and Ishinca.

And if you're not into hiking, then don't panic! There are also plenty of less-exhaustive activities to do, such as take a tour of Yungay or the many pre-Incan ruins dotted across the region, observe traditional celebrations, shop at the local artisan market, and relax in natural hot springs.​We can guarantee you will just love it here! Please have a look at our blog posts here or here for further information about the local surroundings!

Location

Seeds of Hope (Perú) - Enriching the Lives of Children in Huaráz

Seeds of Hope provides a safe environment to help impoverished students achieve academic and social success. To achieve this, we use a multi-faceted approach that combines tutoring, emotional well- being classes, daily nutritious meals, and a family environment focused on educational success.​